Hardware requirements for multiple chromecast from local HDD?

[TaoW80]

I'm looking at setting up a mini-pc as an HTPC running KODI on Ubuntu and using Chromecast as a DMA in a couple other rooms. I was wondering how powerful the mini-pc would need to be to handle that. I found this article that says full res HD takes 48Mbps and an external USB 2.0 drive has a speed of 480Mbps, and 802.11n does 600Mbps so those shouldn't be a bottleneck, but what about the processor or graphics card needed to decode multiple .AVI files at one time?

Would something as simple as the Liva X do it? If not, can I get a recommendation? I'm trying to find something with low power consumption, though I realize that may not be possible to do what I'm wanting to do.

 

[kanewolf]

Wireless N, to a specific device has a 450Mbit limit (N900 dual band). That bandwidth is then cut in half because WIFI is not full duplex (send AND receive at the same time). So we are down to 225Mbit. But that is only if the router and the client have three independent radios and antennas. Drop to a single antenna 2.4Ghz client and you could have trouble getting consistent 50Mbit throughput. Try to do two streams at the same time and forget it, you won't have enough WIFI bandwidth. You may be able to chromecast a single HD stream on 2.4Ghz, but you won't get two. On 5Ghz you have the problem that 5Ghz doesn't cover as much area because it is obstructed by walls easier. Multiple HD streams on 2.4Ghz WIFI is a frustrating endeavor.